Anyway, this is what everyone around here has been clamoring about for months now, the only blemish is that it's 8-1 vs 9-0, but sole possession of first place is on the line here, and there's absolutely no lack for drama.

As I type this, the Manningverse is all lit up about the MRI that will be performed today and while it's definitely a concern, I don't see this being a case where he's missing the game. If that were to happen, then all bets are off as the 6'7 Sasquatch would see his first action... but again, that ain't happening.

Through 10 weeks, we have the following:

Chiefs 9-0
Broncos 8-1
Chargers 4-5
Raiders 3-6

Three games that matter, but really only one of any real importance as it relates to the race for the Division crown.

Raiders @ Texans
Neither team is really any good right now, but both have the potential to win this game. I'm keeping it easy here and sticking with the home team. Houston has better playmakers across the board, IMO. And, I like what Keenum has been doing. The Raiders look ... well, like the Raiders. I think it could be a fun game to watch, possibly, but the Texans win this one by 10.

Texans 27 / Raiders 17

Chargers @ Dolphins
As I type this, the Dolphins are in all kinds of disarray and preparing to battle the Bucs on MNF. So, no clue as to whether or not they're rolling into this game with a win or a loss.

Either way, I don't think it will matter as I believe the Chargers when this "battle of the coastal teams". San Diego has talent and they can put up points, but their defense is rather lame. I think this could be a good game, but the Chargers win this one after a big letdown at home vs the Broncos. Chargers fans will be teased into another few weeks of "maybe we can get a WC spot" before ultimately being disappointed after their team loses 4 of their final 6 games at the hands of Denver, KC (twice) and the Bengals.

Chargers 30 / Dolphins 17

Broncos vs Chiefs

There's not much more that can be said that isn't already being hotly debated on 72 other threads regarding this epic matchup. The Chiefs stroll into Denver with a perfect 9-0 record coming out of their bye week. The Chiefs are relatively healthy and determined to prove to everyone that they are without a doubt the best team in the land.

The Broncos slipped up against the Colts, and their defense has given up a fair amount of points and yards to every team they've played this season.

Every bit of success that Denver has is directly related to Manning - big shocker and with the ankle issues and the banged up Oline... there is cause for concern. The good news is that while the Chiefs have a nasty defense, their offense is fairly pedestrian.

I noted in another thread that if you were to compare Denver's production at home and KC's production on the road, it's not pretty for KC. In 4 road games, the Chiefs' offense has produced 5 TDs and 11 FGs, while the Defense and Special Teams has accounted for 5 other TDs. That's really good if you're a KC fan, but on the road in Denver... I think Smith and the passing game will have to become a bit more bold and productive, especially if Denver is successful in containing/limiting Charles.

I've thrown out a few random score predictions over the last week, but they all have one thing in common - I believe Denver wins this one by roughly 10 points. Yes, Manning is banged up - the Oline is banged up. The Chiefs defense is crazy nasty and will do all they can to hit Manning early, hard and often.

Can they be successful with this and can their offense put up 20+ points? I think Yes and No... it should be a fun game.

I think Denver will score more than 17 on us at their house. It's bound to happen when you have a defense that plays a ton of press man and utilizes a heavy blitz scheme. Peyton will likely have a high completion percentage against us, but not necessarily a ton of yards. The real trick for Denver will be in the red zone - field goals or touchdowns.

And in the interest of fairness - since you've shown what we've done against crappy offenses, just what is Denver's numbers against the crappy defenses they've played?

Which is why I think they may get a lot more field goals and less tds. I'm hoping it's not the case, but 1 td will be 30+ yards, and that may be the deciding factor in the outcome, because I think the chiefs have a great shot at limiting their red zone production where it's a lot more difficult to get space with less room to work the field.

Which is why I think they may get a lot more field goals and less tds. I'm hoping it's not the case, but 1 td will be 30+ yards, and that may be the deciding factor in the outcome, because I think the chiefs have a great shot at limiting their red zone production where it's a lot more difficult to get space with less room to work the field.

I realize that conventional wisdom says that since no team has scored more than 17 points vs the Chiefs, that it's impossible to imagine it happening this week in Denver... but, why? Simply because it hasn't happened yet?

I mean... 7 of the 9 offenses that KC has faced rank 19th or lower in points scored this season. The rankings are 19, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30 and 32. The Cowboys (4th) played horrible @ KC and I said then that's not a shock, look what they did last night @ NOS. Dallas is miserable on the road. PHI... well, they're ranked 11th in offense, nothing too magical there though.

So, again - aside from KC holding 7 of the 13th worst offenses in the league to under 17 points a game, why is it absurd to think Denver will do better in Denver?

Would it not be fair to say that the Chiefs defense is partially responsible for those offensive rankings?

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